Oughta Be That Way

In bible study I always hear "I think that __________." You fill in the blank. The problem lies in the support for the opinion. Seldom do I hear anyone say "Acts 3:2 says __________." or whatever. Why? Because people's opinions are based on "what it oughta say". In other words they believe their view is the right view just because they each are"me". Therein lies the problem: "Me" always has a predilection toward "self" rather than God.

If we allow ourselves to form opinions based on "how it oughta be" a new religion is in the making. Since the author is "self" and it's commentary on what the "self" thinks about what's right, the doctrine becomes one of "selfism". Of course my contention is that the "self" of each of us are the "other gods besides God", the theology is "reason" and the idol is "the flesh" because if doctrine is not from the Holy Spirit it is from "the world" which supplies "the flesh" with its desires.

Ours was at one time a Christian nation because with the lack of modern media people actually read the bible. As such The Word did what it was supposed to do:

2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness..."

Scripture is The Word of God given to the writers to elevate righteousness by  providing right doctrine, conviction to do right, correction of sinful behaviors and how to be righteous. Without Holy Scripture those who fail to read are "doing it their way"!

 Proverbs 12:15  "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise."

When doctrine is established without scriptural support, those who formulate opinions are doing "what's right in their own eyes"!  Because those unwise people have "a feeling inside" they fail to consider from where that "feeling" comes! Satan is a deceiver and people are innately gullible to his deception. When you think "this is what I think" chances are that your thoughts are manipulated and you are not even aware of it unless you back up your doctrine with God's word!

One reason I don't care much for group bible study is that people cling to what they always thought just because they always thought that way. Others cling to wrong doctrine taught by their own denomination! Yes, there is wrong doctrine in every church. When doctrine is at odds with another church somebody IS WRONG.

Sometimes people think a way because they always thought that way! If your views aren't changing with time after becoming a Christian, you are not being inspired by God because Holy Scripture is all about change: teaching, confronting, correcting, etc.

When I was young I wrote in the margins of my bible. Now when I read what I wrote, some of it was heretical. I hate to say it, but I did not know it all, although my perception then was that I knew it all! Now I'm open to growth and consider doctrine in the light of what scripture says, not what other commentaries say, and not necessarily what my church even teaches. "My church" can be wrong too!

There is a constant battle going on: God wants me to know truth (you too) and Satan deceives me (you too). What better place to draw the sword for battle than from God's armor?

Ephesians 6:13 "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand... 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..."

I guarantee you, "what is right in your own eyes" is far from what is right in God's will! I know... you have a right heart and desire to do right... but Satan is so much stronger than you without the whole armor of God. Take up his sword! Read scripture.  Quit saying "I think..." when it's Satan doing your thinking.

Many people think "God is a loving God; he would never send anyone to hell!" Why do you think that way? Because you have a graceful heart and believe "it oughta be that way"! There is one big problem; that's not the way it is. God is a just God and it's his justice which is served! He allows us all a lifetime to present ourselves to him with a warning from the "Surgeon General"... "Failure to submit to God can kill you forever!" He is graceful for your entire life, he has a gift to give you (eternal life), but you see the gift, but never accept it!

God is a loving God. He gives us millions of chances. He doesn't "send anyone to hell"; sinners damn themselves because they are reprobate. Why would a loving God even want to spend eternity with a person who rejected him time after time?  Just because people think "everyone should go to heaven", doesn't mean it "oughta be that way"!

What do we need to do to quit using our own reasoning and logic to rewrite scripture "the way it oughta be written"? We can read and STUDY it to find out "how it really is"!